Chris Dickerson News

CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has upheld the state's right to tax coal exports after coal companies argued that the severance tax actually is a sales tax and a violation of federal protections for interstate commerce.

Tommy Toler CHARLESTON -- In a unanimous decision, the state Supreme Court has suspended a Wayne County magistrate for violating judicial ethics. Tommy Toler was suspended, retroactive to July, for four years. That means he won't return to serve the rest of his term to which he was re-elected last fall.

Justice Robin Davis The West Virginia Supreme Court has affirmed a Fayette County Circuit Court ruling that an insurance company didn’t have a duty to offer a client uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle coverage when he bought or renewed an umbrella insurance policy.

The West Virginia Supreme Court is requesting public comment on a proposed amendment that would give the circuit court discretion to grant a motion to sever or order other relief in the instance of a joint indictment or consolidated trial.

CHARLESTON – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC again has made The National Law Journal’s annual survey of the nation’s 250 largest firms. It ranked 244th on the list with 170 lawyers and is the only West Virginia-based firm on the list.

Jack Whittaker WINFIELD – A Putnam County man who pleaded guilty to charges related to a 2004 robbery of a vehicle owned by Powerball winner Jack Whittaker is suing the West Virginia Division of Corrections over his sentencing.